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Milwaukee resolution calls for CCM changes

Proposal suggests irregular ordinaitons, installations

"We believe voting members of the 1999 Churchwide Assembly did not anticipate the depth and extent of opposition that appears to exist," reads a resolution from ELCA pastors, lay leaders and five bishops. The group met Feb. 16-18 in Milwaukee to discuss Called to Common Mission, the Lutheran proposal for full communion with the Episcopal Church.

The dialogue was closed to the public and media, including The Lutheran. Participants were selected by a steering committee of representatives who favor and oppose CCM, said key organizer Mark Hanson, bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod and vice chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

Seventeen of the 18 participants approved a "Common Ground Resolution," which suggests "a possible path" to implementing the full communion proposal that could help CCM opponents remain in the ELCA.